| Han Solo 4-up Hardcopy Paintmaster (Alternate Sculpt) (460-009) | |
| The hand painted Micro Collection prototype featured in this entry is referred to as
a hardcopy. All Micro Collection
figures were sculpted at a 4:1 ratio, meaning the hardcopies are four times larger than their
production counterparts, thus the reason collectors refer to them simply
as 4-up's.
Stylistic changes often take part throughout the developmental process of a toy. The Han Solo 4-up represents an earlier incarnation of the Micro Collection figure from the Bespin Freeze Chamber playset. Han was eventually modified and new hardcopies, both painted and unpainted, were created.
Above, both the painted and unpainted 4-up's are visible from the front and back. The painted 4-up exhibits the word "VOID" written on the back to denote it's use was no longer necessary. A seperate entry for the alternate unpainted 4-up may be viewed here.
The product number, 460-009, located on the bases of both alternate 4-ups, is identical to the number used on the final version. Thus, although stylistic changes were enacted, the product number remained the same. The painted 4-up's base contains additional wording identifying this style as the original incarnation of the figure. Frequent Star Wars Collectors Archive viewers will probably recognize the name of the 4-up's owner, Tracey Hamilton. Tracey, a dedicated hobbyist from Ohio, former home of Kenner, has submitted a myriad of interesting and exciting pre-production pieces over the years. It's wonderful to see the painted and unpainted alternate 4-ups together in Tracey's collection. |
 | |
| Description by: | Michael G. Mensinger |
| Photo: | Tracey Hamilton |
| From the collection of: | Tracey Hamilton |
| Country: | United States |
| Film: | Empire Strikes Back |
| Licensee: | Kenner |
| Year: | 1980 |
| Category: | Prototypes / Micro Collection |
